f LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 5 






\ UNITED STATE8 OF AMERICA, t 






A LECTUllE 



ON THE 



UNCERTAINTIES OF HISTORY, 



DELIVERED IN THE 



HALL OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, 



BEFORE 



THE CAPITOL HILL INSTITUTE. 



PECEMBER 17, IMS. 



BY LEVI WOODBURY 



WASHINGTON: 

rRlNT]]I) HY J. & G. S. r; IDE ON. 

1843. 



y'\ 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Washingtox, December 21, 1S42. 

Dear sin : At a meeting of the Capitol Hill Institute, last evening, it was unanimously 
"Resolved, That the thanks of the Institute be given to the Honorable Levi Woodburx, 
for his able, eloquent, and interesting lecture delivered before this Association on Saturday 
evening last, and that he be respectfully requested to furnish a copy for the press." 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

SIMON BROWN, Secretary. 



Washington, December 24, 1842. 
Dear sir : Allow me to express my best acknowledgments to the Capitol Hill Insti- 
tute, for the very favorable manner in which its members speak of my address. 

Though it requires revision before pubUcation, I have not leisure for that purpose 
at present ; and herewith comply with the request of the Institute, by placing a copy of 
it at their disposal. 

Respectfully, 

LEVI WOODBURY. 
Simon Browh-, esq,., Secretary of the Institute. 







k^' 



k^ 



i- 



L E C 1' U R E 



It has been an interesting enquiry in all ages — What is the 
Truth ? 

At the foundation of this enquiry, whether relating to science, 
the arts, politics, or religion, has been an early, if not the greatest 
question — What is the truth in Histor}' 1 

What does it show, on the momentous topics — Whence came 
we? When? Where? Why? Whither do we tend ? What have 
been the chief instruments to advance, or retard, the human race ? 
How long is its progress to last ? And what, for greater weal or 
woe, is to be the consummation of its destiny? Considerations 
like these are vital to all. But, on this occasion, I do not propose 
to glance at any of them, except the uncertainties which exist in 
much of history. These, with their evils and their cure, deserve 
the careful attention of all who would improve the condition of the 
world. It will be perceived, by allusions already made, that it is 
not uncertainties in the history of monarchs and battles merely, to 
which I refer, or in humble pedigrees confined to books of heraldry 
and family coats-of-arms, but it is those in history in its broadest 
sense, including what relates to the literature, and the general 
progress and great moral movements of society, as well as remark- 
able changes in rulers and forms of government. So, the uncer- 
tainties themselves, to which your attention is invited, are not 
merely the outright falsehoods and blunders, in which some annals 
abound, nor those imperfections in liuman affairs, which are insepa- 
rable from the finite faculties of man, as an individual, subject to a 
brief span of life, and those numerous interruptions by which the 
labors of many arc so often baffled. They are not so much matters 
like these, as the doubts and obscurities in history, which arise from 
any cause whatever, and which affect not only individuals, but the 
longer life and continued labors of the human race as a race; 
such, too, as affect them by not preserving with accuracy the piin- 
ciples, powers, deeds, and condition of man, through centuries and 
the duration of empires, and even through a series of the rise and 
fall of many empires, and in a manner most conducive to the in- 
struction, security, and progress of the world at large. 

These uncertainties are the most striking when connected witli 
accounts of the earliest ages. Then all, in profane history, is either 
a blank, or obscured in the mist of fable and the imagery of epic, 
or the mythology of legendary lore. For who, let me ask, can at- 
tempt, without the aid of inspiration, to penetrate the abyss of 
time, and trace out, with anything like satisfaction, either the 
birth of man — the growth of arts before the deluge — the appal- 



ling cjrciirastaiiceri altendiint on the submersion of a world — the 
renovation and second dispersion of the human family — or much of 
the ravages of conquest, which have since so often forced forward a 
worse moral flood to overwhelm civilization, than any physical 
one which ever wore down mountains, or pushed oceans over their 
wonted barriers'? 

Equally vague would it be to track, with accuracy, the migra- 
tions since of millions of Hebrew exiles, or the wanderings of 
those swarms from the northern hive which, for so many ages, 
devastated Asia and Southern Europe ; or the sea-rovings — so far, 
wide, and civilizing — of Phcenician commerce ; or the daring adven- 
tures or hopeless shipwrecks that imprinted the first human foot- 
step on tiie shores of this western continent, and in the tides of ages 
peopled it from the poles to the equator. The accounts of many 
of these matters have entirely vanished in the night of time, and 
of others have survived only in fragments and wrecks. These last, 
too, are aided more in certainty by the monuments of nature than 
of man ; for a gushing spring like Helicon, or a brook like Sca- 
mander and Kedron, or a mountain like Ida, go further to identify 
the site of ancient cities and battles, than the best descriptions with- 
out them, or the earliest works of art which have ever been at- 
tempted. 

But, in the very first ages, where are the monuments of any kind, 
of the public mind ? Of its social relations — its progress in arts — 
and all its brilliant triumphs of genius? Uncertainties cloud the 
whole; and we are forced to leave most of these things, when un- 
enlightened by sacred annals, not only as obscure, but as a mighty 
maze, and the oracles they utter almost as dark and scattered as 
the Sibylline leaves. 

Events more modern come nearer to our bosoms and busi- 
ness. But when we scrutinize particular incidents in them, it 
is to be lamented that often, even there, our ears sometimes lis- 
ten to uncertain sounds, and our paths become almost as devious 
as among the mists of remote antiquity. The questions, then, are 
not such as — who erected the pyramids 1 the puzzle and wonder 
of many ages, and the truth to be released from its imprisonment of 
three thousand years, only through the superior acuteness of such 
enquirers as Champillon. Not whether civilization, or even Inn- 
guage, was in early time matured by human exertion, or bestowed, 
full grown, Minerva-like, by divine inspiration; nor whether the 
ameliorating laws of both were then wafted to Ethiopia first, or to 
India, or to Egypt ; and hundreds of similar doubts as to events in 
the infancy of the human race. 

But it is rather, as Sir Walter Raleigh once experienced, the un- 
certainties about many things that happened, almost within our 
own neigliborhoods, and have a more immediate interest with the 
practical affairs of life in the present age. That daring adventurer 
and early ex j)lcrer of Virginia and Carolina, besides being a graceful 



couitiei in the palaces of Elizabeth, was a learned lustoiian, and is 
reputed, in despair of the truth as to an event happening under his 
own window, to have consigned to the flames some of his most 
valuable manuscripts. 

Under such discouragements, by means of the contradictory and 
obscure, as to what transpires in our ow^n time, well may we feel 
despondency at procuring the exact truth respecting what happened 
in no very distant epoch, to say nothing of such remoter periods 
as those characterized by pastoral simplicity, golden ages, and he- 
roic grandeur. With a wish to illustrate these views by a few in- 
stances, not very ancient, and yet so far off as to assume no invidi- 
ous or party aspect, let me ask what person can readily decide on 
the guilt of the beautiful Mary, perishing on the scaffold under the 
insatiate envy of her great virgin rival? Or who had most agency 
in bringing Charles the First to the block ? or in planting freedom- 
of conscience, as well as liberty in government, on the tolerating 
borders of the wilderness of this new hemisphere 1 And who, or 
what, put the first ball in motion of the great reformation which 
has immortalized Luther, but left comparatively in the shade Wick- 
liffe, Huss, and many others perhaps no less daring, devoted, and 
deserving. 

Again. What is the Truth in respect to a thousand dark conspi- 
racies in Venetian and other annals, over which doubts yet linger? 
Or what is hereafter to be divulged by the further researches of our 
Prescotts and Irvings, as to numerous questions in the almost sealed 
book of Spanish discovery and supremacy in both Americas ; and 
among these, not least, the influence, political and social, as well 
as religious, of the vast labours and enterprises of the missionary 
Jesuits in either hemisphere ? Tell me, also, those that can, who 
exerted the most substantial influence in effecting that noblest revo- 
lution in England, when a bigoted James was dethroned? Who in 
our own, foremost among the greatest? Who in that of France ? 

Not who then conducted conquering armies, but who vindicated 
most ably the rights of man, and who risked most for the popular 
cause, and roused highest the public pulse in zeal for liberty and 
courage in council ? 

Much uncertainty rests, also, over many minor questions in 
modern annals, tliat still possessed interest enough in their day and 
generation to agitate whole communities. Such, for instance, as 
whether Mirabeau played most the part of a demagogue or patriot ? 
Or Bonaparte poisoned his sick soldiers at Jaffa ? Or Burke, or Boyd, 
or some other politician, in an iron mask, wrote Junius? Or wdia 
invented the quadrant, Godfrey or Hadley? 

And, to come nearer home, whether Benedict Arnold, though in 
the end confessedly a traitor, ever deserved credit for anything 
beyond rash impulses? Or, even, who commanded at Bunker Hill — 
that memorable, and, at last, monumental, arena of militia glory? 

Passing by a multitude of inquiries like these, I could, were it 



proper to approach nearer the holy ground of coteniporaneous his- 
tory, which few can tread with safety before a niixed audience, 
array a long- catalogue of questions still more recent, and equally 
as much mystified by doubts. They would include the character 
even of some divines, no less than authors, politicians, and lawgiv- 
ers, and the conflicting claims of genius to many of the greatest im- 
provements in modern times. It is not merely, as Sir Roger de 
Coverly is made to observe, that on most questions much can be 
said on both sides, but that the real obscurities, on many of an his- 
torical character, are such as to pain and perplex every honest en- 
quirer ; for the chameleon colors, given by haste, or prejudice, pas- 
sion, ignorance, or party, to most events and characters, as well as 
systems of any importance, tend to make partizans on every thing, 
and champions on every side. Thus, as an instance, touch but the 
conflicting merits of some engaged in the battle of Lake Erie, or 
the Thames, and how quickly would the blood of most of us be 
made to boil 1 

So, with what speed would many display the red or white rose, 
in hostile array, if discussing the doubtful preference due to some 
rival sects in religion, so near that their Sabbath bells ring weekly 
in our ears ; or to some rival sj^stems in medicine, practised on the 
maladies even of our own bodies ; or some rival theories of po- 
litical economy, or rival parties in politics, in whose conflicts we 
ourselves are combatants 1 

As a fresh illustration of the different hues put on many matters 
by different historians, is a national event which has just agitated 
the community under our own eyes, and which it may not be in- 
vidious to mention. It was considered so doubtful as to require 
grave ofiicial enquiry, and no less affected our pride and reputation, 
than whether the persevering Wilkes, whose recent explorations 
have done so much for the cause of science and commerce, did in 
fact discover land — a southern continent near the Antarctic — before, 
or after the French navigators. 

But enough has been suggested to indicate some of the numerous 
uncertainties which envelope us at every step, in the search after 
historical truth ; and hence, I proceed to the next material enquiry ; 
What have been the consequences usually flowing from such uncer- 
tainties 7 

In my view, they have been fruitful in evils. The character and 
progress of the human race have thus, in many instances, been mis- 
understood, and their improvement much retarded. The truth has, 
in this way, been frequently discolored, when not suppressed ; and, 
instead of it, exaggerations being emblazoned, and additions and in- 
ventions heaped up without end, man has been constantly misled as 
to the past, and has thus often stumbled into fatal errors, both in con^ 
ducting the affairs of the present, and planning for the future. Vast 
chasms, too, are at times foimd, increasing these uncertainties, where 
even ages and centuries have disappeared, and, with them, most of 



what they achieved, either in usefulness or glory. Where some muti- 
lated records survive, it frequently happens that they are so incredible 
as to contribute, with other circumstances, to veil the truth, concern- 
ing the whole, in mystery. Again : in a myriad of instances, de- 
liberate perversions and distortions stare us in the face. Whether 
prompted by sycophancy to the vain, or pride, passion, or sordid 
ambition, they fully justify the complaining exclamation of the 
lion in the fable, as to the different aspect which would have 
been put on his contests with man, had the figures in the 
sketch been drawn by a different painter, or the controversy de- 
scribed by an impartial historian. And who does not know the 
contradictory features which, from like causes, are given to many 
of the great battles — modern, no less than ancient — on land or 
ocean, and even to those miniature ones in politics, at the ballot- 
boxes, as the accounts come from the victors or the vanquished ? 

Considerations like these will likewise much lessen our surprise 
at the very opposite glosses appearing on the pages of much of 
history since the Reformation, as compiled by Catholics on the 
one hand, or Protestants on the other, and, since the Protectorate 
in England, as drawn up by republicans of the Cromwell school, 
or such as he was wont to style malignant monarchists. What we 
are to believe, amidst such conflicting representations, is manifestly 
not only perplexing, but, at times, ruinous to a healthy faith, and 
the cause of honest principles and sound progress. 

We are compelled, also, to lament the wrongs done by uncertain 
annals to the good name and deeds of several of the noblest bene- 
factors of their race. Some of them lived long in advance of their 
age, and thus becoming its scoff or its victims, their views were 
distorted, and their memories blackened, no less than their days 
shortened, by bitter intolerance. Under the discordant accounts 
given of their characters, the virtues of many of them have long 
remained under a cloud, or suffered total eclipse, till an age more 
liberal, inquisitive, and just, came for their vindication. On the 
other hand, such annals have done much to convert many into fierce 
persecutors. Some of those who occupy a large portion of the pages 
of history, and give tone to society — making its character for ages 
but a lengthened shadow of their own — have evidently been bigots 
or tyrants, from a mere want of more certain facts and truths to en- 
lighten and guide them. The mischief has been effected by means 
of fallacious historical examples, and through heresies in public 
opinion, debased by loose histories, and false systems founded on 
loose histories. We are likewise forced to sigh over evils, from this 
source, to nations and ages, as well as individuals. The progress 
which has at times been made in diffusing great truths of all kinds, 
over whole kingdoms as well as eras, has been much delayed in 
consequence of uncertainties and doubts, caused by omissions, in 
some cases, in the annals of the past, and in others by treacherous 
discolorings. Some large rommunitirs have also been so isolated, 



8 

and tlieii career so uncertain, that scarce a plank lias floated from 
them on the stream of time. And, to the rest of the world, they 
lived and died nearly in vain, furnishing scarce enough to other 
nations " to point a moral or adorn a tale." Some governments, 
dilTerent still, have existed as monstrous impostures, and, like the 
veiled prophet, or Mahomet, have subdued to their rule, by igno- 
rance and fanaticism, many successive generations, who with more 
certain knowledge of the delusions which oppressed them, would 
have escaped from servitude so huiniliating, and avenged their 
wrongs. In short, wherever any nations have introduced vague- 
ness into their systems of public faith, morals, or policy, originating 
either in ignorance, or king-craft, or priest-craft, or demagogue-craft, 
they have tempted the public mind astray, and lived worse than in 
vain, because they have helped to widen the reign of error in almost 
every thing, not only false gods in religion — Molochs and Jugger- 
nauts — but false gods in government, manners, legislation, taste. 
And it is examples like these, that for ages, in some of the most 
beautiful regions of the globe, have created uncertainty as to the 
right and the true, in almost every essential of life, and extended 
it wider and deeper, till all has withered within reach of its sirocco 
influence. If the evil spirit of darkness, which in some systems of 
philosophy is supposed to have once struggled with that of light for 
dominion over the world, is, without much stretch of imagination, 
considered in such cases as still contending for the mastery, it must 
be obvious that, unless efTectually rebuked, such a malign power 
will spread its leprosy, till the mind, heart, and soul of society are 
all poisoned, and some of the fearful imaginings of Byron or Cole- 
ridge may be morally realized — where gangrene and death creep 
over all the living, till " darkness becomes the universe." 

If we enter more into particular consequences, the evils are no 
less appalling. Thus, as to religion, none can hesitate to admit — 
no skeptic, even, will gainsay — that if all the annals of the world 
had been as free from omissions and mistakes as those (however 
defective) during one's own existence, he would not feel compelled 
to believe both the Mosaic outline of creation and the Christian 
scheme of redemption. I speak not now of any supernatural influ- 
ence, but of man merely as a moral and intellectual being, and the 
principles of his nature brought to bear on facts and reasoning, so 
as to produce conviction or disbelief. Let me ask, then, what 
greater curse could be inflicted on the world, than such a state of 
uncertainty in the annals of the past, as to produce doubts in thou- 
sands, not to say scoffs, on topics connected with their eternal as 
well as temporal interests ? So in morals. Except as elevated by 
the spirit of Christianity, they stand much as in the days of Cicero 
and Plutarch, and have for ages been much neglected as a separate 
study, founded on examples and axioms of conduct carefully pre- 
served in history, and arranged with a view to this ennobling end. 
Except that, amidst the severe ills of life, it is still Epicureanism, 



9 

which is to divest or drown them in pleasure, and seize the day, as it 
flies, for sensual enjoyment; or it is the indifference of Fatalism; 
or it is Stoicism, stern, either to endure with iron will, or die. 

It is true that changes innumerable have since occurred, full of 
warning if duly weighed ; and principles the most visionary been 
tested — glaring examples of both good and evil exhibited. But, 
unfortunately, after all this, the moral movements of the world seem 
chiefly to have been in a circle, rather than forward, or upward, in 
some direct line, nearer and nearer to the magnificent perfectioQ 
which formed and controls the universe. 

So in government. Had the true sources of national prosperity 
been always correctly recorded, all doubts as to certain events, and 
their influence on public power and public happiness, would long 
ere this have been removed. It would have been settled far beyond 
our present bitter controversies, as well as ruinous vascillations, what 
system of laws was most useful? — what form of public institutions 
wisest? — what kind of taxation most equal and just? — what theories 
of political economy soundest? — what species of currency safest'? 
what banking best? — what credit paper, superior among all those 
which now prevail, or which once run so disastrous a career in some 
of the Mogul empires of the East, as well as in the revolutionary 
exigencies of both France and America ? 

Long ere this, likewise, it would have been much nearer agreed 
what are the true relations between capital and labour? and what 
kind of exertions, though they should be strenuous in all forms, 
could be made with most chance cf success by the masses in every 
country to attain that degree of intelligence which is so indispen- 
sable to self-government; and what treasonable injustice it must al- 
ways be in the few towards the many to thwart them in such exer- 
tions ? 

But, heretofore, instead of this, either a pall of doubt, to most 
eyes, enshrouds the whole of these points — or differences in the 
accounts of both causes and consequences lead to controversies 
without end, and create distrust in the conclusions of much of polit- 
ical science, as well as impair confidence in many of the lessons 
and examples of the past on everything. 

It cannot, therefore, be seriously questioned, that much of bad 
opinions, bad theories, and bad systems, has been the result of this 
uncertainty in facts. 

It is imperfect facts which have nriade imperfect systems ; false 
facts often, (if I may be allowed the expression,) which have 
caused false systems ; and the broad path, thus opened to error, 
hardly needs illustration. 

All can see, that what begins in doubt as to one event, is apt to 
extend to another, and another; and from doubt to grow into condem- 
nation, and from condemnation to collision, and thence at times to 
vices or crimes, no less than fatal delusions. 
2 



10 

By adverting to some of the evils from uncertainties in the exact 
sciences, we shall find evidences of what is equally dangerous 
from them in accounts connected with other matters ; but they are 
stronger and more striking in the sciences, because there they can 
be measured with more accuracy and distinctness. You will, there- 
fore, excuse me for particularizing one or two of them. 

An uncertainty of a single minute, in the latitude and longitude 
of a seaport, or dangerous reef, as given on nautical charts, have 
often caused numerous shipwrecks; because a minute's difference, 
sometimes equaling a mile in distance, must, at times, during fogs 
or darkness, mislead the most skilful pilot, and strand the strongest 
vessel. From a like source has arisen half of the litigation and ex- 
penses concerning the boundaries of land. vSo the evils from the 
want of a certain standard in use in weights and measures in the 
United States, may be readily conjectured, when it is known, that, 
before their late revision by Mr. Hassler, some of them differed 
quite one-eighth of the whole. The injurious consequences of un- 
certainties have also been recently evinced on a national scale in 
our disputes with England. A doubtful description of a boundary 
has helped to lose for us a tract of country, larger in size than some 
States in the Union. And a mistake many years since, in run- 
ning and describing the 45th degree of latitude, placed in jeo- 
pardy an expensive fort, as well as a whole tier of towns on the 
northern side of Vermont. 

Again: it is undeniable that there have sprung up, from uncer- 
tainties as to the past, many losses of intellectual enjoyment, in- 
dependent of other and greater evils. 

For what high satisfaction could be derived from records more 
accurate of only ordinary occurrences in most of the ages gone by ? 
As, for instance, who would not rejoice, if a newspaper had been 
published in Jerusalem, during the life of Christ — or in the early 
days of Noah — and had been transmitted to us unmutilated ? 

Or if we could now obtain more every day facts of all kinds as to 
different ancient nations, such as a suit of common clothing, even 
to the gaiment Archdeacon Paley was anxious to procure from 
Turkey '? Or a collection of household furniture and agricultural 
and mechanical implements, such as has recently from China de- 
lighted the American public? Or, when deprived of these or the trea- 
sures of a Pompeii — extended to all ages, and countries — to have 
transmitted, instead of them, such certain descriptions and drawings 
as to leave no doubt concerning the progress in comfort and civili- 
zation, which these particulars, though so humble, might with great 
interest unfold, as well as contribute even now to many valuable 
in)provements. And who would not be instructed, no less than 
grateful, if some certain annals existed to solve all doubts, whether 
many of the supposed inventions of such immense value, made in 
modern times, were not known in some former epoch, and have been 
lost since by emigration, or conquest, or the want of the embalming 
power of the Press. 



11 

Who can measure, also, our privations from not having traced, 
with truthful light and certainty, the numerous revolutions that have 
taken place on the surface of the globe, and all the greater geolo- 
gical mysteries which six thousand years of scrutiny and careful 
observation, if preserved with certainty, would have developed, as 
to the structure of the earth, its mines, its bursting fountains, its 
fathomless oceans — its dews, clouds, and tempests — its millions of 
plants and animals, and all its relations to the other planets which 
fill the heavens and furnish such constant evidences of a Power 
above and around us so wonderful "? 

But, through many ages, the curiosity of man has, on some of 
these topics, been baffled by anarchy — on others, plunged into 
mystic fables — and on others, groping in darkness palpable, and 
his intellect and energies wasted in some respects on conjectures 
the most chimerical. There has been, to be sure, a rushlight of 
history on some matters, but even that, so feeble as often to make 
the general gloom more visible. If a skeleton has, here and there, 
been found in partial preservation among the historical ashes of 
ages gone by, where are the muscles and sinews, tlie nerves, the 
life-blood ? 

Where is much of the mind — the divinity within ? where the 
records of many of its glories and proudest trophies 1 Unfortunately, 
attention has been bestowed too often on what is least valuable to 
society; and thus the useful principles, inventions, arts, and even 
the literature and sciences, which embellished what the others ad- 
vanced, have not only been more neglected, but in some cases, 
where cultivated, have perished irrecoverably. The extent of such 
losses it is of course difficult to ascertain. But, though the rays of 
intellect may never have shed much light on the sands of the inte- 
rior of Africa, nor on the mysteries that darken the pagodas of the 
East, we know that in many former eras they illuminated brightly 
all the shores of the Mediterranean, and that some of their produc- 
tions have since vanished, it is feared, forever. And we weep, and 
rationally so, much more over a lost book of Livy and a treatise of 
Cicero, or a work on science, which has disappeared, than over a 
lost Pleiad, or an island that has sunk, or the ruins of some name- 
less city. The former, if preserved, might have edified and ad- 
vanced all after ages ; but the latter may have interested only a 
few, and benefitted none. So, had half the attention been be- 
stowed, only in Egypt, for instance, on the faithful preservation of 
experiments and principles, in books — those mummies of the mind — 
which have been lavished in preserving the mere dross of departed 
spirits, how much more steadfast would now be the public faith ? 
how much more elevated, in most things, the public taste — more 
enlightened public opinion, and larger all public acquirements ? 

For what, let me ask, are the dry and stiffened corpses of the 
catacombs? what is monumental marble or granite? or what, in 
usefulne&s, even the cold canvas of painting, or the colder stone 



12 

of sculpture, compared with the warmth of poetry and the ever- 
teaching, ever-inspiring records of devotion and philosophy 1 

Again, history, when we have it, is usually much fuller of the 
cruelties of tyranny, the persecutions of intolerance, fanatical cru- 
sades, impostures, debased superstitions, victims and martyrs of all 
kinds — with the orgies of passion, tlie plots and counter-plots of 
ambition, the horrors of revenge, the blasphemies of crime, and all 
the carnage and devastation of war — than with means to add to the 
comforts, or the powers and usefulness of other generations. Nor 
does this happen entirely from there having been little which is 
milder, more peaceful, and better, in the actual doings of the hu- 
man race through its long career, but that crime, pride, and am- 
bition have often perverted history to their own glorification ; and 
again, that at times a vitiated taste has rather preserved what is 
most startling, though worthless, and thus encouraged it, without 
discriminating between the glory of such courage and devotion to 
country as actuated Leonidas, Hampden, Tell, or Warren, from 
that which madly drove an Alexander to universal empire, or a 
Zenghis Khan to ravage half the world for rapine or revenge ; and 
giving far more space and research to the deeds of the latter, than 
to those of the Fausts, the Arkwrights, Whitneys, Watts, Frank- 
lins, and Fultons, who impart such new powers to man, and do so 
much to elevate the masses and civilize the rude, as well as improve 
all, in coming time. 

Well might we consent to blot from the records of our race half 
its heroes, could we obtain, in return, certain accounts of a single 
new and useful implement of husbandry, or one valuable tool more 
for the mechanic, or any new method to promote humble industry 
or strengthen virtue even in the lowliest. 

Indeed, now, much as we seem to know of the surface of society, 
and especially of civil transactions, how little do we learn, clearly, 
from most history, of all the currents and under-currents of human 
affairs, including the true mechanism of the best solaces of private 
life, as well as the mainsprings of public action, and tlie progress of 
the faith and opinions of mankind, no less than of their great pur- 
suits and instrimients of living. No one can readily compute the 
obstacles which, by such omissions and their consequent uncertain- 
ties, have been cast in the path of all kinds of improvement, not 
merely in one age or nation, but in the long career of humanity. 
As an illustration of this, let me ask, if all do not see, at once, that 
we sliould at this moment be far more, inconceivably more, ad- 
vanced in all knowledge connected with our vital interests, had the 
world, by more careful preservation of useful facts, known but a 
century, earlier all we now know, of the structure, functions, and 
wonders of our own frames, our own minds — the properties and 
changes of the earth on which we tread — the food we consume, the 
air we breathe, and the skies we gaze on — if not the Heavens we 
hope for I 



13 

The omissions to record at all, or record aright, the various ope- 
rations of mind and matter, with the experiments in both, have also 
contributed to retard so late, and with injury incalculable to many- 
generations, most of what has been discovered of magnitude in the. 
few last centuries, not merely of printing, gunpowder, the compass, 
the kine-pox, steam, chemistry, and all their advancing glories; but 
on many things before alluded to — such as the principles and seat 
of animal life, the circulation of the blood, the knowledge of meta- 
physics, and many of the mysterious sources of motion, instinct, pas- 
sion, and opinion. 

And after all these, there is still an evil-working obscurity in 
much of modern history, on some topics essential to aid the great 
future on earth, as well as reconcile man more fully to the ways 
of Providence in the tardy justice which sometimes appears to be 
awarded to nations, no less than individuals. 

We want to be more often admitted behind the curtain of both 
public and domestic life. Let us have the pangs of each, as well 
as their pomp; and the hidden shoals to be shunned, no less than 
the public virtues to be imitated. Let us have more of the inside of 
the whole social and political fabric. When historians give us any 
thing certain now, (and we have words enough on some matters — 
pretensions and prating enough,) it is usually in respect to the ex- 
terior alone — the mere walls and painting; on all the rest we suf- 
fer greatly from not having more unquestionable facts, more useful 
truths, more foundations for sound theory and intelligent faith — 
more causes of facts and events — more principles, that controlled 
empires and ages — in short, more fruits instead of shrivelled leaves — 
real, full light on the past, rather than a gliamicr, sometimes more 
faithless than the tradition of the Indian wigwam. 

The only other evil, from historical uncertainties, which I shall 
now notice, is that arising from the entire loss of the annals of some 
whole eras and centuries. This catastrophe has been one of the 
most formidable obstacles, both to constancy and rapidity in im- 
provement. For where, by the art of writing, or any other device, 
mankind have for a time had facts perpetuated in a form more 
reliable than tradition, the tides of conquest have occasionally burst 
in and so desolated the records, as well as cities, of subjugated na- 
tions, that sometimes not even the names and dates have escaped, 
of those who intrigued or fought for empires ; nor much of the 
real character of many of the happy accidents that improved, or 
the avenging scourges that oppressed, the millions they ruled ; and 
less still has there in such cases come down to us, with certainty, 
much of the true origin and progress of all that then contributed to 
advance either national wealth, happiness, or power. Hence, 
amidst doubtful researches among such fragments of annals, what 
one seeker for truth now attributes to the forms of government, an- 
other traces to different systems of political economy, or peculiari- 
ties in public morals. And where one enquirer now thinks he can 
discover almost an elixir for greatness, and another detect the very 



14 

canker which preys unseen on the damask of power, still another 
can only discover a dash of kingdoms after kingdoms on the shore 
of time, with almost as little apparent benefit as the break of the 
ocean for ages on our own iron-bound coast. Indeed, every few 
centuries, it would seem that, in some portions of the globe, neither 
books nor manuscripts have ever talked to the eye ; or both, 
from some untold disaster, have vanished. Thus the intellectual 
memorials of those who reared Palmyra, except her ruins — and the 
American systems of theology, and the arts and sciences which 
built and ornamented the cities of Central America, except their 
unknown idols and broken pillars, or crumbled temples and forest- 
covered mounds ; and thus, most of the genius and acquirements 
which overawed northern Europe, from the Druidical groves of 
Germany and England, in ages as rude, if not earlier and cloudier — 
all have perished ! 

But more marked still is the darkness that covers the antediluvian 
history of the earth. There has been almost a total loss of more 
than two thousand years of human efforts — a destruction of the 
benefits of near one-third of the life of the human race, human 
experience, human examples and acquirements ; and, except the 
fragments preserved in sacred writ, scarce an echo reaches us from 
all beyond the dread bourne of the deluge ! 

In the absence of printing, and the loss of written records, even 
painting and hieroglyphics — w4iere, in some countries, cultivated 
for historical purposes and spared from devastation by their Vandal 
invaders — even they, where not since entirely corroded, have slept 
for ages undeciphered, and their meaning remained as dumb as the 
wood or stone on which it reposes, and their object so uncertain as 
seldom to have w'akened devotion, ensured reverence, or warmed 
patriotism ; however they may, at times, have attracted admiration 
from some Marius seated in exile on the ruins around them, or some 
wandering Arab encamped under their shade. Indeed, the whole 
earth has been called a grave3^T.rd. In this way, however, it is so ; 
not only as to human bodies, but their minds, their deeds, the intel- 
lectual giaces and moral glories of our race. These seem, from age 
to age, not imfrequently to have crumbled into dust as undistin- 
guished as that of the millions of tongues which once sung heroic 
exploits, and of hearts that beat high for fame — and of sinewy arms 
that helped to protect the hearth and altar, and "cultivate, in 
peace, the fields they defended in war." 

If, asShakspeare moralized, the ashesof Alexander and Caesar may, 
in time, have become applied to the vilest uses, or, asShelly reasons — 

" There's not one atom of this earth 

But once was living man ; 
Nor the minutest drop of rain, 
That hangeth in its thinnest cloud. 

But flowed in human veins" — 

may not the histories of many Alexanders — the moralizings of wis- 
dom, no less than the fierce struggles of ambition — the brilliant pro- 



15 

ductions of many Shakspeares — the discoveries in the heavens by 
Newtons and Herschels unnumbered — have contributed to form the 
very soil now tilled near the sites of Babylon, or the ancient pala- 
ces of the Incas and Montezumas 1 

How often catastrophes so disheartening have crushed the most 
glorious labors of the mind, in both continents, doubtless sweeping 
oflf some drops and rubbish at the same time, is as unknown to us, 
under the uncertainty of history, as are the like revulsions which 
may have been going on since creation, in the myriad of worlds 
which blaze above us. Perhaps we shall no sooner penetrate all 
the mysteries of one than the other. But sleep on, great and good 
spirits of all ages ! known or unknown — discoverers, lawgivers, 
sages, or statesmen ; sleep on, many of your mighty deeds and 
beneficent principles, doubtless well suited to improve a long pos- 
terity, but more the fault of others than you, and more our misfortune 
than yours, that so little of them has descended to us. Enough, 
however, has been saved from the storms of time, to occasion the 
deepest regrets for the losses and doubts caused by such historical 
wrecks, and to awaken much anxiety to prevent their recurrence 
hereafter. 

Let us search then closely, to ascertain whether any of these 
uncertainties, and their evils, can hereafter be averted 1 and how ? 

If, as some fear, all of them are beyond remedy, nothing remains 
except to shudder over our palsied condition. But, though unable 
to accomplish everything desirable, it should not, in my view, deter 
us from doing something, if practicable ; and it seems to me, under 
the influence even of temperate hopes, to be rational to expect 
much from efforts more systematic, discriminating, and earnest. 

Thus, whenever we can trace any of these uncertainties to dis- 
tinct causes, it is philosophical to remove the causes, and in this 
way prevent the evils ; and, when they cannot be removed entirely, 
to seek to counteract, or in any way mitigate, their prejudicial ten- 
dency. 

In this mode, those which have arisen from imperfections of the 
senses have been, and can continue to be, diminished, by efforts so 
obvious as hardly to need enumeration. Take but one sense, for 
illustration — that of sight. The doubts which once existed as to 
the movements, qualities, and size of all distant objects, when 
viewed by the naked eye, and the evils resulting from uncertain 
accounts of them, have, in many cases, entirely vanished under the 
astonishing powers of the telescope. Even as to those remote bo- 
dies that float so many millions of miles above us, the uncertainties 
about them have, by modern improvements, been so much re- 
moved, that we now know their revolutions with almost as perfect 
correctness as those of the earth itself — the capacity of some to be 
inhabited or not, and the immense bulk of others, exceeding ten to 
a hundred times that of the globe itself; while the same species 
of improvement, conducted with similar accuracy and patience in 



16 

making and recording observations, has pushed the powers of hu- 
man vision so far, in respect to smaller objects, as to disclose num- 
berless microscopic wonders, where all before was uncertainty or 
ignorance. It has thus increased the power of the eye, not only in 
acquiring knowledge, but in performing many of the most difficult 
mechanical labors; and has contributed to the enjoyments of all, 
by opening new worlds of being, to delight, instruct, and astonish, 
whether in the smallest drop of water, or on the lightest leaf. 
Without dwelling upon this, all must see that we are only in the 
infancy of such improvements, and that science, by further perse- 
verance, may thus pour further light on what is obscure as to the 
history of many things — animals, vegetables, and minerals — which 
intimately concern man in his present state of being. 

But the evils in historical uncertainties, arising from the moral ob- 
liquity of the iieart, and from habit and extraneous influences, are 
much more difficult to trace, as well as to remedy. Whether their 
direct cause be, as it often is, ignorance or passion, carelessness or 
haste, interest, party, or vindictive prejudice, they do not seem to 
me to be entirely incurable, though some entertain but little confi- 
dence in any means to remedy them, short of new supernatural aid. 
But, on an occasion like this, avoiding the discussion of any polem- 
ical questions, I shall advert to no interposition of Providence be- 
yond what has already occurred, or what all that live hourly expe- 
rience. Keeping this consideration in view, what, then, are the 
great remedies 7 

First, we have, for principles to guide historians, as well as, in 
many respects, for a beautiful model, the Sacred history of man- 
kind. Surely they can more nearly approach, if not equal, some 
of the excellencies which pervade ihat — such as its pure-minded- 
ness, its chrystal clearness as to facts, and its striking condensation. 
The history of a whole people for four thousand years, and the 
biography of the most remarkable being known on earth since time 
begun, with the acts of his apostles, and the entire body of divinity 
he, as well as the prophets, taught — are all compressed into a single 
volume ; and by the clearness, simplicity, and truthfulness of its 
narrative, and the lofty rules of action it inculcates, has helped, in 
all ages since, to reform an apostate world. 

This at least can be imitated closer, v/here not equalled in form ; 
while in its substance, abating the difference between inspiration 
and human skill, a spirit of caution, purity, and vigilance can shun 
all wilful uncertainties, and lessen much those resulting from inad- 
vertence. But, descending to more specific rules, and drawing 
instruction from all sources, it must be obvious, that another of the 
leading means to prevent uncertainties, must always be to avoid 
haste, and increase research. Writers must never flag in labor, pa- 
tience, and pains-taking. Most that is valuable is of slow growth. 
The "brave old oak" that has stood "the storms of a thousand 
years" is much slower in reaching maturity, as well as much more 



17 

valuable than the mushroom ; and the elephant, whose gestations 
are " few and far between," produces only elephants — animals of 
size, power, and length of life, worthy of their origin — instead of 
ephemerons. 

Another efficient mode of improvement is to cherish more single- 
ness of purpose. Improvement should be, not only a paramount 
object, but the first, second, and third. It should engross all the 
energies of the soul ; and when those energies are dedicated to 
historical compilations, they should be exclusively devoted to it. 
There should be nothmg else to weaken or divert the attention — 
nothing lukewarm in feeling, nor amphibious in habits — but a sin- 
gle heart, a whole heart, and an earnest heart, intensely engaged 
in clearing up wiiat is obscure ; aud, instead of tamperings and mis- 
givings, or suppressions and colosings, boldly recordmg for the fu- 
ture the naked unvarnished truth in all things — yes, "the truth, 
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." 

Another remedy is to distinguish, with greater accuracy, what is 
really uncertain, and hence needing more illustration and research — 
from what is so only temporarily and in appearance. For, amidst 
many of the doubts in history, they are not always unmixed with a 
clear conviction as. to some prominent and general results ; and 
thus, amidst lights and shadows, crossing and bewildering at first 
the public eye, there will, when the excitements of the day sub- 
side, and the passions of the moment are hushed, be a few facts, 
which, by due discrimination, ate fully verified, and standing forth 
forever incontestible. Without such a discrimination, much time 
will be wasted ; and without exceptions like these, much more of 
history would seem to be an unalloyed evil. To explain this dis- 
tinction, by an example or two: It is now clear that, whatever any 
one may think as to Carthage, or her conquering rival — which was 
most Punic in faith, and which was most inexorable in revenge — 
nobody can doubt that the former was overcome, and most of the 
memorials of her vast conmierce and extensive influence in civili- 
zation, were relentlessly extirpated. 

Few can now doubt that the masses in France possess more 
intelligence, security, and power, than they did before the revolu- 
tion — whatever differences of opinion may still linger as to some of 
the supposed oppressions which preceded it, or some of the atroci- 
ties which followed. Nobody can now question the more rapid 
progress made in civilization, over both Europe and America, since 
the discovery of the latter — whatever may be the diversity of views 
as to who was the first fortunate finder of the new world, or as to 
what have since been the crimes and virtues displayed towards its 
aboriginal inhabitants. 

Can any, also, disbelieve the existence once of such a being as 
Christ, and the ameliorating influence of his doctrines — whatever 
conflicting opinions ma}- be sfiil entertained concerning his divi- 
nity ? 

3 



18 

Or can any now question the benefits of steam in the arts and in 
commerce, fatal as have been its explosions, or doubtful as its first 
discoverer — or who dares compete with Fulton for the new ap- 
plication of it successfully to motion on the water ? 

Nor can any now, after careful reflection, deny the utility of ma- 
chinery, by which the labor of millions is yearly saved or added, 
however many individuals may ot first have been thrown out of 
employment by its introduction, and however deep the doubts and 
darkness may yet rest over the inventors of the plough, the loom, 
the axe, or the graceful ship — inventors as distinguished in their 
day, and of machinery as important to the welfare of mankind, as 
Whitney and the cotton-gin, or Arkwright and the spinning-jenny. 

It is thus that, among our painful regrets nt many uncertainties 
in the past, there may be constantly mixed the satisfactory acqui- 
sition of a few great results, if we only analyze and discriminate, 
rather than hastily condemn the whole in a mass ; denouncing it 
all, as some have, to be no better than an old almanac — or, as 
others do, unauthentic as the Arabian Nights' tales. 

In this way, too, as all is not shrouded in doubt, a gloomy skep- 
ticism can be avoided; and our energies, instead of being wasted 
on what is either impracticable or indisputable, pan be concentrated 
on the illustration of something feasible, useful, and, at the same 
time, really doubtful. Beside some such great results, we can also 
gather up, by patient research through the long vista of time, a few 
scattered gems of various value, and, as in modern travel, find, 
half hidden in the dust of ages, some rusty coins, broken statues, 
and fragments of altars and temples. Though acquisitions such 
as these might not alone edify so much as annise, yet, in the whole 
concerns of the race, they often illustrate what was doubtful, and 
to many persons always possess an innocent as well as gratifying 
interest. 

Another mode of throwing stronger, if not new, light on what is 
uncertain and obscure, is by more attention to those very matters in 
connexion with otherS; and thus to widen the range of enquiry, and 
draw historical aid from collateral illustrations in all quarters and on 
all topics. There is something from the events of life, and most of 
their concurrent ciicumstances, which every hour, by slow and 
almost insensible degrees, is wrought into the very organization of 
society itself; incorporated into all its substance and progress — min- 
gled with its usages — moulding its ordinary occupations — tinging 
with various hues its laws and literature — and, in fine, modifying 
even its religious creeds. It is absorbed in the growth of commu- 
nities, and gives a different character to them, as air, earth, and 
moisture enter into the growing plant ; and in both cases it be- 
comes a part of the very fibre and heart, as well as bark or color. 
As the nutriment thus furnished is appropriate and usefid, the 
growth is rich and beautiful; while, if bad, it becomes dwarfish and 
useless. By examining such circumstances, we discover the man- 
ner in which the character of nations has been formed, like the 



19 

surface of the earth, or a transition rocU — liere a layer of one kind 
and thickness, there another, different both in quality and size. 
We obtain a sort of petrifaction of the currents of life, as they 
run onwaid in various places and ages. Even the ordinary a»nuse- 
ments of a people indicate something- of the national mind and taste, 
especially if they are, as has been quaintly said of ours, such novel 
amusements as banking and the credit s3-stem. Indeed, in this 
historical search, we should overlook nothing human; and, in the 
whole circle of existence, should scrutinize not only civil and po- 
litical affairs, legislation and government — not only, too, religion 
and the arts, with literature and science — but geology, climates, 
soils, and all their products, wonderfully interwoven, often and 
highly important to the moral, no less than the physical condition 
of mankind. 

What floods of light are to be poured in this way on what is oh- 
scuro, may be imagined when we reflect tliat the researches of 
modern geology alone have crowded this whole planet with new 
wonders, and made its caverns, stones, and mountains full of the 
history of its growth, and of the plants and animals that in ages 
past inhabited it. Another aid will be to persuade every possessor 
of important facts concerning individuals of eminence, as well as 
valualile improvements, to communicate them v.ith more freedom 
to the world. So with all interesting journals, as well as letters, 
memoirs, and curiosities in the whole ranges of science and of na- 
tural history. They may develope some new traits of character, or 
throw out new light on both the animal or vegetable kingdom, or 
advance science or the arts by some experiments which inventive 
genius may, in solitude, for the first time have tested, or present 
new views on some principles of action, which, by the patient or 
headstrong may, on some retired theatre, have been pushed further. 
Or they may unfold momentous facts to set history right, whicii 
pride or interest may for a time have suppressed, or may open dis- 
coveries, or the germs of them in physics or mechanism, destined 
to revolutionize society. 

None should despair of great benefits from this, when they re- 
member what progress has been made in only the last fifty years by 
increased attention in academies, colleges, institutes, and govern- 
ments, no less than by individuals, to collect and preserve statisti- 
cal facts. What new data have been procured by them as to dis- 
eases and their causes? — the resources and expenses of govern- 
ments? — the extent of their commerce, manufactures, and agri- 
culture'? What additions to the means for just legislation, and 
the true understanding by nations of the profit and loss by their 
groundless jealousies, non-intercourses, reprisals, and wars. The 
last census of the Union, however imperfect in son^e particulars, 
may be proudly pointed to as a monument of great uspfuluess in 
enqinries like some of these, not only to us, but the civilized world. 

Nothing can more strikingly illustrate the greater certainty (hat 
may be approached, if not attained, in many historical data, and 



go 

which some improvements in modem times, especially in the sci- 
ences, have, by great care, actually reached, than the exact de- 
scription, even long beforehand, of distant eclipses, and, in nauti- 
cal almanacs, the accurate calculations, even to seconds, of some 
coming events, thus "casting their shadows before ;" and, what we 
have been less accustomed to, till the use of steam, the certain regu- 
larity with which packets cross even an ocean, not differing a day 
often from the time anticipated. And the still more remarkable 
exactitude, considering the distance and nature of the service, 
which was attained by the care and skill of the commander of the 
late exploring expedition. After navigating two oceans, fulfilling 
various engagements, and making a large number of scientific ob- 
servations, he was able to reach Sidney, in New Holland, and take 
his departure thence for the south pole, within twelve hours of the 
time indicated in his instructions a year or two previous, on the op- 
posite side of the globe. 

Carry a like caution and accuracy into every thing — in recording 
as welt as observing — and how much sooner could many doubts 
still remaining be solved? In science, for instance, by this course 
it could not be long before it must be certain whether or not elec- 
tricity, galvanism, and magnetism, are essentially the same agents^ 
agents so important, that some of them not only aid in the cure of 
disease, but are probably vital to the whole economy of animal and 
vegetable existence, and in other views are not only indispensable, 
through the needle, to track forests and traverse oceans in satfety, 
but, by American ingenuity, have enabled us to draw fiie harmlessly 
from the heavens — and, through the electro-magnetic telegraph, ta 
write with a pen in lightning, and send even ideas instantaneously 
for miles. Whether, in brief, the great northern lights are gov- 
erned by some physical laws connected with either of these marvel- 
lous powers, or are independent in their gorgeous movements; and 
thousands of other doubts and perplexities which have agitated the 
lecture room, the laboratory, and closet. 

So, in respect to many of the secret springs of human action and 
human welfare, it is a course like this, and only a course like this, 
which will ever enable mankind to accomplish that great deside- 
ratum in modern times — the removal of all doubts as to the best 
systems of education and industry ; or to solve those other problems 
in society so difficult, yet most interesting — how to reconcile the 
interests of the few with the many — how to harmonize obedience 
to law with the soundest, if not largest, liberty ; and, what is prac- 
tically still more vital, to convince all as (o the equal claims of the 
poor with the rich, to have such laws and institutions govern as are 
calculated to ensure to virtue and industry an equal enjoyment of 
all the necessaries of life, and prevent avarice and cupidity, whe- 
ther in the toils of mines, factories, or elsewhere, from tasking in- 
fancy, want, and dependence, beyond the just limits of humanity 
and public morals. 



21 

The last direct aid in preventing historical uncertainty, which I 
now have time to particularize, is to strive more to cast away pas- 
sion, prejudice, and party — those prolific sources of error — and, on 
occasions so responsible as that of writers professing to bear testi- 
mony to the truth for enlightening posterity as well as the present 
generation, to have the head and heart warmed into the strongest 
sense of accountability. Let nothing be feared but God. If such 
a feeling were in the ascendant, there would grow up every where 
a firmer assurance in the result that industry and unbending integ- 
rity should reach, when devoted to a subject of such high moment. 
This attitude, so lofty in the composer of regular history, should be 
inculcated and imitated through its remotest ramifications, whether 
in biographies, sketches, voyages, travels, or even a newspaper 
and magazine. Though all the writers of these may not be able,^ 
on every occasion, to act like the god of the stoics, as if formed of 
intellect without passion, yet all should feel the solemnity of their 
duty in such positions, to write unwarped by passion as well as un- 
dismayed by the frowns of power ; and they should evince, when- 
ever demanded in support of the truth, a self-forgetting, self-sacri- 
ficing spirit, above the slavery of party, and no less impartial and 
just than fearless. 

With a view to remedy the evils resulting from historical uncer- 
tainties, it is necessary also to exert untiring efforts to preserve as 
well as improve the records of mankind. It has been shown, 
that nearly as much is suffered from their mutilation and loss as 
from original imperfections. During the last three centuries one 
great engine, and probably the greatest to secure the preserva- 
tion of history, has been the art of printing. Every year, as it 
has embodied the truth, quicker, easier, and oftener, it has dif- 
fused it wider and at less expense; and has thus interested mil- 
lions more in its safety. It is susceptible of still higher advances, 
to aid certainty in history by pushing improvements, in all those 
particulars, still further. When well directed, nothing can, with 
BO much certainty, seize and preserve the Cynthia of the minute 
in opinions aa well as fashion — nothing so well give, in all things, 
the true " form and pressure" of the times. Indeed, the experience 
of near four hundred years has evinced, that the Proteus, ever 
changing in politics, literature, taste, and all the scenes of busy action, 
can be arrested and painted to the life only by this consummate ar- 
tist, whose colors, though few, are durable ; whose canvas, though 
thin as paper, can be made as imperishable as time; and whose pen- 
cil, in the type, will survive every thing but the wreck of matter. 

The multiplication of copies of all important works, which this 
will tend to produce — the more thorough diffusion of them, which 
their reduced price will encourage — the increased intelligence to 
understand them, and appreciate the importance of their preserva- 
tion, would then exist, and would require that the whole mass of 
any society must be extirpated before all its historical memorials? 
could again perish. 



1122 

The more the power of the press is thus extended, the more also 
will different compilations operate as checks on the uncertainties 
and other errors of each, and thus will improve the character and 
quality of what is written, no less than increase the quantity. 

In order to excite greater care, activity, and interest on this 
point, let me present here one illustration, and it shall be only one, 
of the importance of this accurate preservation of the memorials of 
former experience. It is this : We may, from our ancestors, receive 
governments, religions, codes of law, and numerous institutions 
alleged to be good. But where is the testimony in their favor v/ith- 
out historical records ? When free enquiry or impatience of autho- 
rity dare — as they may, in the liberty wisely alloAved here — to 
question their excellence, how is it to be tested, unless their origin, 
progress, and influences have been honestly chronicled ? On any 
excitement or novelty, every thing will, otherwise, be set afloat. 
True, we may talk and argue in their support, but there will be 
opposed argument to argument, conjecture to conjecture, and one 
confident assertion to another, and there will be no anchor to the 
judgment, nor security and stability in public opinion, without 
some such steady light as recorded and certain experience. Public 
opinion might still be gigantic in power, but it would be blind, and 
imder occasional reverses, incident to the best human systems, or 
under some plausible innovation in bold and bad hands, or under 
some sudden impulse, some fierce enthusiasm, or some ferocious 
fanaticism, all the foimdations of government may be shaken, if 
not uprooted. 

The moderns, in such cases, instead of being regarded, as Ben- 
tham called them, the real ancients, living in the old age of the 
world, with all its facts and experience treasured up for guides, 
would either have none on some points, or in the uncertainty of his- 
tory in many cases would have contradictory facts — incoherent and 
imperfect truths — halting and lame experience — doubting pilots, 
blind guides, and cloudy and shifting landmarks. 

From all these considerations, it would seem that, to some extent, 
the cure of evils like these is both feasible and useful, and that it 
would contribute not only to the purity, stability, and excellence 
of every thing which advances civilization or glory ; but ensure their 
continued increase, as well as wider diffusion far beyond one gene- 
ration or people, even into the whole length and breadth of hu- 
manity. 

On this occasion there is not time, without tediousness, to enu- 
merate more of the means of improvement in respect to the uncer- 
tainties in history and their attendant evils. But that these few 
means, if faithfully exerted, would do much to reform not only the 
character of the annals of mankind, but mankind themselves, will 
be obvious from reflecting a moment on their natural tendencies, 
and should operate as a powerful incentive to promptitude and ear- 
nestness in adopting them. For, consider how many of the present 
contests in judicial tribunals to ascertain rights, and of the party 



23 

struggles to settle public policy, with not a few of the polemical 
controversies to adjust points of doctrine, would, by the prevalence 
of such a new temper and such new practices, lessen, if not in time 
entirely disappear. 

When a reverence for truth thus becomes more inwrought and 
habitual on all occasions, the whole reading world will of course be" 
come more confiding in what is written ; and there would then pre- 
vail, and justly so, everywhere more faith — more in almost every 
thing — more in nature, more in Providence, more in man and his pros- 
pects, and, in short, more inviolable faith in history. Nor will such a 
faith be inconsistent, and, as is frequently now the case, be uselessly 
seeking impossil)ilities — such as persecution and oppression recon- 
ciled with pure religion or humanity, and true liberty co-exisiing 
with licentiousness — public economy with private extravagance — 
and vigor with divided councils, or prosperity with idleness, waste, 
and disorder. 

But it would be enlightened and rational faith ; as the chronicles 
of life might then well be looked on as nearer real " Daguerreotypes 
of the age," and what are called facts, thus becoming in reality 
much closer to the truth ; all opinions and theories would have a 
foundation far more solid to build on; and every event operating as 
a lesson, and every acquisition a step onward, the mind of society 
would in this way hourly add to its treasures what was reliable, and 
would be constantly developing in results more of the excellen- 
cies of that inductive philosophy so eloquently recommended by 
him whom Pope eulogises as " tlie greatest of mankind." 

Without going into illustrations on this point, the general infe- 
rence appears just — that under such a course, existence every 
where, and in every thing, would tend more to become a continued 
school, since the whole would be a laboratory, making daily experi- 
ments and discoveries for the whole, and for the future as well as 
the present ; and the mind of all would thus unremittingly co-ope- 
rate for all. If we should thus fail, as we might, in realizing the 
hopes of the most sanguine — that not a shell need be washed idly 
to the shore, nor a crystal sparkle without instruction, nor a leaf 
drop, nor even a sparrow fall, without imparting knowledge or im- 
provement — yet it is certain that the tears would never flow from 
misfortune, nor smiles enliven the face of hope, nor a passion of 
any kind animate or depress, but their causes and consequences 
would be better understood, and, indeed, every thing valuable be 
more known and common to the whole. Instruction and fellow- 
feeling will more pervade both the palace and the cottage — " the 
court, the camp, the hamlet, and the grove." The extremes of 
society in rank or fashion, wealth, or even genius, will more learn 
that they need mutual aid, have a common nature, a common ori- 
gin and destiny, and should intermingle benefits as well as sympa- 
ihies for mutual progress and safety. In short, man will more be 
regarded ev^ery where as a man, and as nothing any where but a 
man. At least the indomitable spirit and the enthusiasm to im- 



24 

prove, and the love of truth, will then be more aroused and more 
common, and more conquering over all obstacles. More people 
will then comprehend thoroughly, and hence duly appreciate, the 
high moral courage which dares do the right under all obstacles, 
however formidable ; and thus more will be encouraged to sustain 
the right, and to hazard for it, when necessary, every thing dear, in 
defiance of the tyranny of custom or fashion, no less than the dun- 
geon, the faggot, the bastile, the cross, and all those tortures which 
martyrs to the truth, and victims to oppression, have suffered in the 
worst of times. 

But many such sacrifices will then gradually cease to be neces- 
sary, since the whole race as advancing beings, and destined to 
form, perhaps, in time, one great brotherhood, will be likely to look 
on each other with increasing charity, and will gradually approach 
nearer the original unity of the human family. And if one lan- 
guage in such wide dispersions should not again be found feasible, 
and be used by all ; or one form of government, in such various con- 
ditions of the race, does not prove the greatest blessing to the many, 
and hence find favor with every people ; or one code of laws, un- 
der different wants and positions, not appear to all nations superior 
in leading features, and become as sacred as the civil or common 
law have been to particular communities ; yet we hope that one 
religion would prove truest, and pervade the whole, and undoubt- 
edly there must be a closer and brighter view of all this promised 
land. For certainty instead of doubt, co-operation instead of hostil- 
ity, and all the powers of man more unitedly crowding forward to 
certain great ends, rather than paralysed by half being antagonists 
to the rest, will in time more improve the world, as surely as gen- 
tler influences, and a union of forces of any kind, are most likely to 
triumph over division and strife. So all the faculties being then 
measured as well as applied with greater accuracy, a juster discri- 
mination can easier separate the practicable from what is visionary — 
facts from fancy — the casual and incidental from what is necessary 
or inevitable — the right more from the plausible. And thus, then, 
we not only ought to, but would have what are the glory and bliss 
of freemen in every age — light and publicity, instead of secrecy and 
mysteries; liberty, rather than its shadow; patriotism, and not its 
phantom; justice, rather than the mockery of it; justice, too, in 
social life, and literary criticism, and in the struggle of politics and 
polemics, as well as judicial controversies. We should then also 
not only know more what has been, what is, and hence what 
probably will be ; but we shall know it with a certainty and truth- 
fulness likely to bear fruits, and ensure to us higher progress, and 
light up daily the prospects of humanity; and in this way there 
will be a more tolerant mission in all things useful going on, recip- 
rocally among nations, no less than individuals, which must in 
time go far to renovate the world. 



